Hoffee of Redrin Republic

 Under the main Iperantosi bridge sailed the V.U.V.R. made battleship, Dragon Prize. Captained by Navelius Swordlift, a half elf who ordered a Lieutenant to keep track of casualties from months long battle over these islands. He could have sworn more ships joined in this invasion of the Gantronese occupied Island nation. For Captain Swordlift, Lieutenant Hoffee checked on the casualties from the Iperantosi Invasion and Campaign. Since it was a military operation involving a coalition, records on casualties included of any coalition members. In total casualties rose up to thirty thousand personnel, rebels, volunteers, and exiles. Unsure of casualties on Vestrisian records Hoffee chose to check that later. For his home nation, Redrin Republic, casualties rose to one hundred sixty-one Redrin Guards, ten Veteran Grand Marines, two aircraft, six pilots. Under Redrin casualties he found casualties for Alagen, which went up to 751 killed in action and wounded. That included a loss of 6 tanks, 3 modified vehicles, thirteen light tanks, 17 planes, 900 wounded. For the island state of Lybris he typed up 979 personnel killed, 1,400 wounded. Vehicle losses consisted of eight tanks, nine aircraft, two half-tracks, and seven new gunships. Gunships were a new creation with a propellor on top. 

Meze lost seven hundred thirty-six personnel, one steel sloop, and three new tank walkers in action. Ivodra Isle suffered a loss of 3,541 personnel, soldiers, knights, troopers, grunts, and a single blue elf sniper. They lost eleven tanks, nine jeeps, three hundred seventy-three other vehicles, 61 aircraft, three small battleships, and four L.O.W.D.S.H.Ts. Rovantia lost 151 Peace Enforcers, one hundred seventy-one Jaguar Rifles, 5 tanks, 5 jeeps, 5 Armored Personnel Carrier prototypes. Their contribution may appear small, but it proved effective. Evusian Rulers begrudgingly handed troops to the cause. For them, casualties rose to a total loss of 1,546 personnel. These losses were elites, troopers, Knights, and star mages whose remaining comrades took an island and held firm. Tante, the multi-island Republic sent forces as well, revealing the neutral states could not stay out for long. Their losses concluded 427 personnel, 23 tanks, 9 armored cars, 25 Royal Ivory Troops, 5 aircraft, one battle frigate. Malvieth Island reported a loss of 419 Rangers, Clerics, Paladins, killed in action. More than 217 hovercrafts were lost in this campaign. 

Other nations were involved in this campaign due to a loose alliance called the Calornese Alliance. Nevoran Federation forces lost over 180 of their Shock Infantry, 4 paratroopers, an enchantress caught in the crossfire. Nations on the other side of the world such as Azul, and Zaul also sent their support. Hoffee typed up what was scribbled down in terms of those KIA. He would add the wounded, but that was a different category of casualties. Many wounded could get mixed with the deceased on paper. Zaul lost ten Marines, three steam walkers in the mud, 3 aircraft, all 6 of the mech tanks they sent, and six out of eight gunships.  There were also 25 troopers dead, 5 Death Lords, a Gun witch, and 2 war gentlemen. As for Azul 154 Dwarfs died in the first counterattack, and just three tanks lost out of thirteen. The other nations involved saw an inclusion of 2,164 KIA in grunts, and infantry. This included 60 engineers, 55 frontiersmen, 55 Spenos Marines, and 44 tanks. 

Looking down at a list of exiles and rebel factions, he took a sip of his now cold coffee. Iperantosi rebels lost between 4,191-5,740 willing combatants who either returned for vengeance or rose up against their overlords. Other Iperantosi exiles included 208 rebels, 27 Freedom Guards, ninety-one Iperantosi Freedom Archers. In terms of vehicles these determined rebels lost three Gantronese stolen gunships, five tanks, fifty-one jeeps, sixteen APCs. Syrianos Exiles joined in the hopes of drawing attention towards freeing their homeland. Some force of 363 Syrianosi died alongside more than twelve hundred half-demons. Vehicle losses included 55 aircraft, three automobiles brought for show, 144 modified cars, and 108 gunboats sunk at the front of the counterattack. Hoffee realized the remaining force of eighteen thousand would back away seeking help elsewhere. Could they afford this? Hoffee wasn't sure about that. it was not his call. Any of the Syrianos exiled forces could seek help from others such as the Nevoran Federation or the larger kingdoms on the other side of Calorn. 

Letting thousands of volunteers to fight wasn't his call either. Gaining volunteers was a nice gesture of non-soldiers aiding this operation. Yet the lack of or minimal training forced the soldiers to become babysitters. However, the whole lot they received had some combat experience. Thirty-three Tribal warriors from Oceanrest Var joined them, armed with Gantronese made rifles. One group called the Berserkers of Ossus went turncoat on the Nazdar then sent 80 of their own here. About seventy-five veterans from Alagen, and Lybris volunteered alongside 171 Nahemine Black Guards, 140 Meze Militia, 157 ex sentinels from Ivodra, 146 Nahemine cavalry, 109 crossbowmen from Ruhonthra, and 220 Meze Camel Riders. Volunteers also came from Evusia and Redrin seeking action and a sense of duty. Close to Seventy knights from Evusia, five hundred Bone Guards joined this fight over Iperantosi. From other places such as Nevora they received 83 swashbucklers avoiding execution, 168 Paladin from five different countries in Nevora, and about three hundred armed missionaries. 

Other groups of volunteers included 264 Zema Ilam, 128 Gladiators seeking greater glory, 161 local heroes and champions, 52 Enchanter Mages, 247 of a Warlord's men, 12 Brothers of some Ancient Order, 214 pirates they freed, 135 Iperantosi war priests who were freed or returned. Twenty-nine volunteer scouts taken prisoner, killed or drowned or went missing. As he finished typing the casualties Hoffee typed underneath the statistics "all combatants in these groups or units are KIA there deceased" as of 1844 late winter early spring. Hoffee ripped the last typed up page of the ay from the typewriter's carriage. Placing the paper with the other documents Lieutenant Hoffee got up from his desk. He carefully placed them in a folder before taking the Captain's Cabin. Hoffee knew some of these volunteers and personnel since childhood. It weighed his heart down just realizing they were gone. He was lucky none of the crew saw him weep at the captain's quarters as he set the folder down. 

Wandering the ship was more of his thing. Hoffee despised sitting down for long periods of time. He passed the likes of Saudari, Dawudin, Vygoon, Tulun, Ulrich, Greenworn, Miguell, Wolfgang, and Nasiim, some of the crew. Seaman, Seaman Apprentice, Petty Officer, Ensign, Engineer, Storage Keeper were their ranks and jobs aboard this ship of the Redrin Republic. Before they started to salute his rank, the group muttered something about cargo they unloaded yesterday. For those Iperantosi Rebels, their country gave them 373 Assault Rifles (early versions) for defense. Two find Patrol Motorboats to assemble went with this cargo. Three Heavy AA transporters were also gifted from Redrin. Those were not the only gift to the Iperantosi Rebels. 

Petty Officer Wolfgang mentioned an armored car from Evusia. Twenty-one working Nazdar tanks were the mix for these Iperantosi along with alien tank-treaded vehicles. As he moved through the ship, he recalled five stolen tanks being handed to these rebels. From his Captain's lips, Hoffee learned of other vehicles and weapons sent to Iperantosi Isles. Thousands of guns, Armored Vehicles from Nahem, construction equipment, 11 artillery pieces were also left for the Iperantosi's use. 

On board a battleship made in Vestrisian dock/shipyards of Castaria, Hoffee was one of the 662 crewmates. Captain Navelius Eve Swordlift commanded the same crew for nine years. Some retired over the course of those nine years, scores died in battle, a dozen were taken by disease, leaving them at 662 Redrin to sail a new gift from the V.U.V.R. The Dragon's Prize was a new addition to the Redrin Fleet. Able to house over nine hundred sailors the small Battleship was armed with four turrets with four barrels, 10 AA guns, 20 machineguns, 6 swivel, grappling hook guns. Between 610-700 fore arm's length, displacement of 33, 811 tons, sails at 33 knots. Hoffee made his way to the outer deck for a better view outside. Exiting a door at the base of the first double barrel turret, Hoffee came outside. 

Dragon's Prize slowly made her way past the bridge. The Lieutenant observed the surroundings. Islands could be seen to the south, west and east with more islands north of their position. He saw a hand full of ships sailing in the similar course as them. Hoffee could have sworn more ships joined them in the invasion more ships joined them in the invasion of the Iperantosi. Feeling the sea winds hit his face, Hoffee felt ready to explore these islands. Aside from 662 able bodied sailors this battleship still housed extra passengers. 

In case they entered close combat or needed landing parties the ship housed troops and armed personnel. One squad of 18 marines, 4 Evusian Rangers, 12 Evusian marines, 6 Redrin Elite troops, 7 Marines from Alagen, 12 Elite troops from Ruhonthra sent to help them along. Other military personnel included 4 scuba divers, 4 special force troopers from Rovantia, 3 marines from Malvieth, one marksman, 15 Spec troopers, marines, and soldiers from Meze. Three individuals joined the ship's passengers. One military marine biological chemical specialist from Lybris Isle, one Vestrisian trooper with Zhenrai I.D., and a female gunslinger. Noncombatant passengers included an alchemist, 3 Gnome mechanics, cameraman, Doomsday Weapons expert, scientist, female journalist with student, a marine biologist, Doctor, and a photographer. Redrin's Navy was small but managed to keep its independence. A total of 50 islands of the Redrin Republic are home to eight races. Mostly inhabited by homes Redrin is also home to Goblins, Elves, Gnomes, Orcs, Dwarves, Zunia-Pucks, Gnolls, who somehow lived in harmony. If it was harmony then it was a forced one due to common enemies, and the desire to have a free Redrin. Centuries ago, these races were either at war with one another all over Calorn, distrustful of outsiders, extremely hostile, very exclusive or full of dominance. Hoffee was certain those sentiments were millennia ago. 

Strolling along the portside Lieutenant Hoffee had one of the islands whose female inhabitants left in his view. Although temporary, the abduction of the settlement's women was resolved by the Vestrisians with outside aid and cooperation. Beyond the starboard side lay two islands a Vestrisians unit crossed to hunt down some Hag called Tearwallow. As he passed an AA shielded turret the name Tearwallow came to mind along with two crewmembers. In the shadows he spotted a pair of female crewmates. One female sat on her knees as the other one faced her rubbing her scalp. Seaman Gream was getting sucked on by recruit Mikka who sucked and slurped hungrily on Gream. Hoffee stopped to see if the sailors would acknowledge his presence. Personally, Hoffee held nothing against she males in the service. He just wished there was a way to get their stuff together. At times he would get aroused, but he forced himself to control certain urges. It seems that Petty Officer Gream failed to control her urges. The same could be said for Mikkah. Sure, she was a pretty petite curvy thing. Yet she had duties to attend to. Gream shoved herself down Mikkah's throat flexing her cheeks. 

"Are we enjoying the sunny weather offered by Iperantosi?" Hoffee asked scaring both women. One of them may have a whopper but that did not bolster her nerves enough from getting startled. Both straightened up at attention scrambling to readjust their uniforms. Recruit Mikkah swallowed and gulped down whatever filled her cheeks. She wiped away the sticky liquid dripping from her lips. 

"Petty Officer Gream tuck in your musket, properly or it gets rusty. You will get plenty of time to fool around once we return home." He commanded the Petty Officer who pulled herself together in the process of redressing herself. They were still female, but on this ship, he held the higher rank. "Recruit Mikkah go see the ship doctor at once. Pull yourself together for this mission. Now carry on working, Petty Officer Gream." 

Hoffee pressed on towards the bow the ship. He came across a Gnoll sailor called Kriak Pest bolt the Harpoonist of the ship. Another Gnoll sailor appeared into view. Seaman Gex Clayfangs, who looked more like an overgrown badger with a hyena mane, made quick conversation with Kriak. Both Gnolls straightened at attention saluting the Lieutenant as he passed them. Hoffee saluted back as he made his way to the bow. Several crew members were found cleaning, reassembling turrets, mounted machineguns, and reloading each weapon. A few anti-torpedo barrels, and magnet stars were checked upon and scrubbed clean. This ship did possess torpedoes, but those were few in terms of availability on board. 

Getting a better look at the sea to the west of the Iperantosi Isles Hoffee spied a few other vessels. Four other ships formed a fleet with the same class and design. None were as a big as a battleship. The Geosgaeno 125 type, a ship slightly smaller than a destroyer, acted as an escort and attack ship. Resembling the shape of a fat hipped brigantine, and snake head, the Geosgaena fought with 4 single barrel turrets, 5 AA guns, 7 torpedoes, 10 MGs, depth charges, and a single mortar. Crewed by 316-326 sailors each of these Geosgaeno 125s accompanying Dragon's Prize were named as follows Oswego, Baddeck, Halstar, Aquilon. 

Under the command of Redrin's Admiral Evoge sailed a sixth ship of the fleet called Blackpool. This one held different weaponry for armaments. No more than eighteen aircraft sat on the carrier's interior platform for protection. The Blackpool acted more like an escort carrier whose 18 Aclyone 625s went ahead of a fleet as a reconnaissance, and for preemptive strikes. A crew of 791 sailors, 36 pilots, 10 divers operated the workings of the carrier. Just looking at the ships reminded him of a few trinkets other sailors gave him. A skull pendant of onyx on black iron hung around his neck. One gift he received from a loner was a ring with powers. Another gift was a white gold illusionist wedding bracelet. It came from a Mage in Practice who said the ring lost its powers after remolding. Stuffed in some pocket Hoffee possessed a treasure map to some islands. 

He fingered two gold symbol pendants from Gora-Via when a hot air balloon started to pump on the carrier. Watching it was a spectacle since it was a newly modified one and mechanized. The sight for him ended as an Ensign approached him. In somewhat decorative dark pink uniform, once a two-year Warrant Officer, Edatim Evaltree seemed bored. Their sun browned skin tone still could not hide their boredom of this errand. Sent on behalf of the Captain, Evaltree retrieved the Lieutenant. Hoffee followed the newly promoted Ensign who became the valet errand officer for the captain. This Ensign looking out of the place in this uniform. The dark-skinned human with brown hair could pass for a Badraani or a Zegrav. Being taken to the bridge of the ship, Hoffee passed other crew members from fellow humans, to Orcs, Goblins, half elves, a few dark elves, half goblins, and Gnolls. All of them were in uniform working to keep the ship operational, and clean. It was a steel vessel, but the engines, propellers, and generators still needed some manual help. Out on deck the crews cleaned the arsenal, collected shells, removed duds, greased weapons, untangled ropes, kept creatures away from the hull, and reduced cloggage. Others kept the antenna working and protected from the sea birds. Their big guns also needed cleaning after use. Just two days ago their fleet engaged a Koriv style ironclad Esprizo Shark. Hiding out in one main island's lagoon this ironclad only startled them. It went after the Geosgaeno 125, Oswego only to be peppered with shells. To the crew it was a mercy killing as one of the castaways they picked up revealed they were starving and riddled with disease. 

At the ship's bridge they found Captain Swordlift, 9 other crewmembers navigating the ship. The bridge and pilot house were connected into a one room structure. A little easier to move around with plenty of room. The floor appeared rough with a new rubbery matt that covered most of the room. Having this matt helped reduced sliding during heavy rain fall or storms that came their way. Each crew member inside manned a station while Captain Swordlift sat in a stool chair, the captain's seat. Behind her sat three women bound, gagged, and lined up against the wall. 

"Lieutenant Hoffee, glad you can join us on the bridge. Have you completed the documents I gave you?" Captain Swordlift greeted him. His gaze did not leave the three bound women. 

"I'll ask you one more time. Who is your Master? Who do you work for?" Captain Swordlift demanded from the three captives. If this were some cliche comic, broadcast tale or play Swordlift would be a villainess according to some script. In her attire of a green doublet tunic over beige dyed khaki trousers, red dyed leather boots, she hardly looked the villainous part. At her hip hung a curved short sword. At her breast pocket she wore a pistol. 

One of the women, a Cyan tattooed, tan skinned elf tried to speak in their language. It sounded broken, but she uttered I.B.O.I.S., something he never heard of until now. Captain Swordlift attempted to verbally pry out a second elbowed her hard. A dark elf with white reddish in a set of explorer's jumpsuits hissed for her to shut it. The third one was a green skinned humanoid in a stolen Gantronese uniform that appeared to be two pieces. Each looked like a typical heroine in comic book series. Their Cyan tattooed friends wore a revealing jumpsuit due to rips, tears, and low zipper. One of her breasts nearly popped out. It would become a distraction quickly as it caused Hoffee's aroused state. He kept his urges under control. Swordlift was about to ask another question when Lieutenant in Training Former Baron's Son, Archie Grayskullkin appeared in the door. A tall auburn haired young man of twenty-three, Archie held a thin diamond faced with a lean body in the typical naval officer's light khaki uniform. His gaze transfixed on Captain Swordlift. 

"Captain, the Admiral found something just ahead of our fleet." Lieutenant Grayskullkin reporte with a straightened posture and salute to the higher rank. 

"How far away Lieutenant?" Swordlift commanded an answer from him. They young Lieutenant's eyes found the bound women. Wide eyed, amazed expression were slapped onto his face. 

"Lieutenant! How far away?" Swordlift demanded taking her eyes off the women. 

"An islet or so sixty-one to eighty-four leagues away, Captain Swordlift." Grayskullkin responded. 

"Thank you, Lieutenant in Training. Take these prisoners back to their quarters in the brig." Swordlift ordered him. "Lieutenant Hoffee gather a landing party and await further orders." 

"Yes Captain I will prepare two squads." Hoffee replied to his Captain. Leaving the ship bridge made him feel forced to give Archie over to the mercy of angry spies, or stowaways. It was not clear who these women were or what they were capable of. Hoffee moved towards the bow of the battleship again while the IBOIS revelation circled in his mind. 

Now on the starboard side of the Dragon's Prize he caught a better sight of the Geosgaeno 125 craft. Two Geosgaenos flanked their battleship while the carrier sailed ahead of the small Redrin Republic Fleet. Other ships were spotted with their fleet. Five other vessels joined Redrin's six ship fleet. One steel frigate from Lybris, a pair of destroyers from Vestrisia, a single sloop from Alagen, and a combat corvette from Tittania. Tittania was a city-state island close to the borders of the V.U.V.R. whose men serve in the land-based military while the women serve in the Navy. Its name did strike people as a referral to tits. That was due to the number of unmarried women serving in Tittania's new navy. He stopped at the bow seeing other ships sail past each other. Fisher boats, crabbers, ferries, coastguards on patrol, cargo ships bringing in tradeable goods, food, passengers, equipment, and weapons. 

Several sailors of his own crew laid about nearby only get barked at by Ensign Mortician McFelner. Although he hailed from an area that is now part of the V.U.V.R. McFelner signed on as a citizen of Redrin Republic. In his Celic clansman accent he barked at three sailors who were likely instructed by Petty Officer Sharpell to fix something. he mentioned a disease called "fisherman's Irritation". A disease known across the sea for eight centuries caused by prolonged exposure in certain parts of the southern oceans. Hoffee did not know which parts, but he heard that ten hours of exposure could attract bacteria that creates inflammation on the limbs. 

Not even bothering to check the Ensign's duties Hoffee returned below deck. Heading straight for the quarters Hoffee hoped to find any sailors available. Particularly the ones who knew how to shoot and fight in melee combat. He knew the leader of Redrin's Marine squad, Seer Lieutenant Maroon wanted to stretch his legs. In total, Lieutenant Maroon commanded twenty-four to forty under his command. Their Evusian neighbors sent them a dozen of their own Marines to command. Hoffee found at least a twenty-five-man platoon with the others who tagged along. Others were left behind to defend the ship. 

"Admiral Evoge has found an islet or more leagues from our current position." He informed the troops, marines, and Rangers on board. 

Seer Maroon, an Alagen Sergeant, Ruhonthran Rusher (Lieutenant/Captain) stoop up. All threeof them offered their units to commit to this mission for Admiral Egove. Hoffee was taken aback from gaining forty-two personnel for a landing party. Four hours passed before that were called to search the first islet. A party of forty-three armed themselves with a variety of weapons. Submachinegun18s from the V.U.V.R., E-6 repeaters, Onway revolvers, T.M. 13 rifles, 4 hand shotguns, Bakshin Carbines, Defiling Shade Rifles. These seven types of weapons served Redrin, Alagen, Ruhonthra, and Evusia well. Almost overstocking on ammo and necessary provisions Hoffee's platoon loaded the landing craft. Blow up craft that did not need pumping since air flowed inside through an opening served their needs. 

Hoffee looked up at the sky as they propelled towards their first islet, west of Iperantosi's main islands. First checking the map protected by two acrylic sheets that can be rolled up like paper, Hoffee found this islet. Although in Gantronese lettering he still translated in his mind. Known as Kisamajon this islet held the appearance of an eagle's talon. four other islands rested to the west with signs of ancient alien metal structures left behind. Its shape gave Kisamajon four handless arms. Since it was more of a talon shape Hoffee might as well say it possessed four claws. Looking up from the map he saw their progress towards this islet with others appearing in sight. Kisamajon had a few rocky parts, a dead crumbled down volcano, plenty of foliage, two arms mainly sand with rocks and trees. His gathered unit landed on the closest arm. A small hut and tent were set up by someone on this part of the islet. Two attempts for a fire could be seen between the structures. On the sandy beach arm lay a figure clad in dirty yellow clothes. When they drew closer Hoffee noticed it was an alien dressed as a city pimp. Unnecessary go between to get a companion for the night. 

Hoffee never trusted Pimps anywhere. Even if a woman chose to give her body to the night, she should not require a go between like a pimp. He heard pimp's offered protection, but who would keep the pimps in line. It did not matter here since that pimp lay lifeless. Checking the corpse, the Marines discovered this pimp was full of puncture, and stab wounds. Hoffee sent the Rangers with four Marines to check the rest of the islet. Half an hour went by before they returned with company. A pair of IGC troopers and three apprehended pirates joined them. The only reasons he recognized the IGC troopers was all thanks to V.U.V.R.s Admiral Kezef and an expedition that entered these southern islands. He saw plenty of photographs that were quickly produced. Pieces of their alien armor were missing. Very similar to armor on Calorn the IGC trooper's armor appeared green, tan, brown, sand, or camouflage in color. Some pieces went around forearms, arms, legs, and neck with a latch to keep it on. Only one still had their helmet on. A rounded helm with a barbuda style face guard. A thick orange glass like vizor went over the face. 

Their names were Corporal Gimma, and Private Lukkos. Part of an Intergalactic alliance force sent here. Lieutenant Hoffee was about to introduce an offer to them when another craft approached their position. A VUVR style patrol boat called the Hippocamp94 flying an Iperantosi Flag approached them. Manned by eighteen Iperantosi in old style VUVR uniforms the patrol boat hailed the allies. In a Phiox language the Iperantosi offered to take the IGC troopers and pirates off their hands. Both IGC insisted they stay with Hoffee's platoon. With little knowledge of these waters Hoffee accepted these two into his combined force. Leaving Kisamajon and the three pirates into Iperantosi Hands Hoffee contacted Captain Swordlift. She allowed Gimma, and Lukkos to join their party. Through Hofee's lips she learned of what happened, the dead pimp alien, and a dead woman from Gimma's own account. 

Captain Swordlift ordered for Hoffee to head for the next islet closest to Kisamajon. The rest of the fleet encircled part of the islets as Hoffee rode to his next target. Southwest of the Kisamajon lay the islet of Grambosi, which he only glanced at it on the map. Barely looking up from his map Hoffee got a look at this islet itself. Being in charge of this operation for Captain Swordlift, Lieutenant Hofee had 6 members stay while he led the rest on the islet. Slightly bigger or double the size of Kisamajon, Gambrosi held nineteen alien structures he glimpsed on the first islet. Sai to be built centuries ago in various shapes and sizes these metal structures showed signs of being rust resistant. This seemed strange for metal to behave like this. 

The first inhabitant of this islet to greet them was a beastly chunky draconic humanoid with a shell on its back with rock, earth like skin tone. It only threw a rock at them hitting Sergeant Phaner of the Alagen Marines in the stomach. Everyone else opened fire on the large beast. All the noise scared a dire warthog that died in the crossfire. One large elephant from Talus roamed this islet with shackles on its foot. It went the opposite direction. How it got here it was anyone's guess. Hoffee barely caught a glimpse of a certain symbol on its side when a piranha angler mutant, mantuary mutant, an upright reptilian humanoid with blades on arms, head, tail end, and a golden horse mutant charged at them. Armed with guns Hoffee's unit opened fire on these four alien mutations. Just the mantuary appeared unprotected while the other three wore body armor that did protect most of the body. Bullets hit limbs, the earth, some structures, and unprotected heads. It put an end to the attempt on their lives. Hoffee could not say the party's nerves held together so easily inside. One of his own peed herself when the monsters attacked. So did an Alagen. Another tried controlling his shaky body. 

He sent both back to the craft only get a good look at a strange phoenix-parrot that flew away from the islet. On one of the dome shaped structures an orthoconoid mutant clung to the roof with its tentacles. It eyed them for a moment until a blue, white striped frog mutant hopped out of a different structure. It also eyed them with ferocity in its large amphibious eyes.  Gimma and Lukkos let loose a hail of gunfire on the amphibian mutant calling it a filthy Drogviek. Another group of mutants rushed out of five truncated cone structures. One black striped humanoid, a horned bear dog, Black demon, Black snake man, octopoid, crazy duck man, snake lady, minotaur, and red cat bring came after them as one. Whoever was watching or supposed to look out failed that task. Armed with staff mace, throwing axes, lance, javelins, gladius short blade, 6 daggers, halberd, hammer pick, old crusader sword, scimitar, and claws they appeared outmatched against firearms. That fact did not stop them from attacking any ways. One javelin nicked a marine in the leg, and an axe found its way in Lukkos' shoulder blade. Hoffee watched Private Paunchy tend to the wound despite the amount of protection Lukkos had. His eyes spotted the octopoid clinging to the roof. Grabbing his own rifle, he shot it off the roof before checking the rest of the islet. As for the rest of the attackers, their lives were cut short by the rest of the unit. 

Inside these structures that formed a small enclave is unit found a group of IGC troopers being held captive. Missing pieces of armor, signs of beatings on the prisoners could be seen. Gimma had to identify three Orbital Ranger Troopers, and two Lightning IGC troopers Hoffee left the IGC troopers to readjust themselves before returning to their war with the other invaders. Checking the rest of Gambrosi Hoffee found an Orc crocodile species on the beach, 7 dead IGC troopers, spell scrolls inside one structure, mage's robe of green, weapons, repair tools, armor, old bones of ancient being on display, mechanical grabbers, and a Mammoth Skull. Hoffee's platoon also discovered more inside but could finish the notes. An aircraft or warplane of some sort flew over the islet. Taking a good look at this flying craft Hoffee surmised it belonged to none of the factions he knew about. Resembling the shape of a neck ring worn by slaves or prisoners before slavery was outlawed a fourth time ten centuries ago. It appeared much thicker, prettier, in shape and designed with four sets of barrels. It fired from eight guns, one hole rested in its center, with an engine in the back this aircraft had a cockpit in front of the main engines. As it swooped towards them it opened fire a few times. Forced to drop to the ground they did not see it shot down by their own aircraft and AA guns. 

All they had time for was getting to the next islet called Condergo or at least prepare for the others. Captain Swordlift ordered them to stay put until the next morning. Hoffee set out with 40 men plus 3 able bodied IGC to Condergo. An islet directly west of Gambrosi called Conergo appeared larger and home to a jungle full of life. Ocelots, Tapirs, lizards, deer, various exotic birds, mutated eagle-hawks, annoying seagulls, alligators roaming around. With no hostiles found Hoffee's unit did find a base in the jungle. Thanks to Gimma's radio comm inside his helmet they found four Jungle Troopers of the IGC who took the islet twelve days ago. Somewhere locked up inside the base was an ancient Forsythan armor. It seemed like a discovery historians, archaeologists, and scientists would love to find. 

According to one of the camouflaged troopers the Order of the Beast, and some random elf knight went after this armor. Made from a different alloy no one could name this armor held a unique appearance This Forsythan armor held the symbol of a Wolf's paw encircled by an otter. Lieutenant Hoffee knew of a Zhenrai Order who would want this in their possession, especially those in the mainland of Vestrisia. Locking it back up he addressed Captain Swordlift about their discovery. Eager to get off this islet the four IGC Jungle troopers joined his unit to the closest four islets and island platform. Conderoga lay directly south of Condergo with a rocky shape of a letter e in capitol form. Just the same or more structures, foliage, wildlife. Three hair humanoids, a Centauric humanoid, and 6 armored rat folk were the only hostiles they cleared out. 

Dealing with the ten hostiles on Condergo they went on to Ongeroge, a hill mound sized islet. Behind this islet sat an anchored three masted brig. Whoever brought this over installed a propeller motor called a ship miron. Hoffee heard plenty of ships were modified since money could still be made using such old craft. As outdated as it seemed these vessels were used between islands or islands to mainland. Long distance trade required modern craft to cover more leagues in a short amount of time. Crewed by a mixture of Elves, Goblins, Orcs, Apemen, and various hybrids, this Brig carried illegal cargo. Illegal cargo included certain alcoholic brews, drugs that cause eyes to fall out, bleeding through pores, and body parts in strange liquid for preservation. Other cargo on board included spices, salts, wool, sugar, leather, silk, tools, antlers, tusks, and poisonous fruits used in makeup. Captain Swordlifthad no time to deal with all of that contraband aboard the oversized Brig. She sent Lieutenant Hoffee documents with a Free Calornese stamp that allowed them to sell the cargo in the free neutral ports. 

Returning to the mission at hand he discovered their Admiral commanded other units to occupy specific islets. The next islet for them was known as Chakwe held the shape of a flower according to the Gantronese map. His unit of now 47 landed on the island in a hesitant manner. Whatever the Vestrisians and IGC faced in these platform seas was likely worse than their current experience in this part of the world. Out of a patch of jungle five half-Ogre men attacked with makeshift weaponry. Two projectiles flew from an Ogre's thrust. One hit the ground as the second one hit a Marine in the side. In retaliation they fired on these Ogres who barely wore much protection. Looking back behind them Lieutenant Hoffee thought of the 416 Marines, soldiers, and volunteers occupying these islets. Were they up to the challenge of defending these islands from more aliens worse than their main Gantronese enemy? 

Chawkii was the next islet. An islet that appeared part of an arch which held numerous alien structures left there. With one less marine on board made the boats less crowded. Yet the way they were taken out was eye opening. Upon landing onto Chawkii they found a wandering knight locked in a confrontation with a Gold-Black spotted cat folk duelist. Their confrontation turned into a duel on the beach. Hoffee's unit chose to watch rather than intervene. An atmosphere of intrigue overwhelmed everyone else. Armed with a Fauchard the knight pressed the advance several times then dodged, parried, stepped aside, withdrew, side swiped an attempt at his flank. 

Someone asked for popcorn only realizing no one had it on hand. They all watched this wandering knight take down the cat folk duelist. Donned in a studded plated armorelette, chain link greaves, great helm, this Knight took what he wanted. Hoffee sort of recognized the style of this armorelette that was now rare during this modern era. It was difficult pinpointing where he first heard about it. He bowed his head to the party of marines, and Rangers then returned to his own place on Chawkii. Most of them cheered and applauded the Knight's victory. Once they finally set foot on the sands the island gave off an ominous feeling mixed with something positive about it. Several minutes or more walking along the beach brought them to a torpedo boat run aground. Whoever it belonged to it did not matter. It was an empty find except for a parasite filled Grogge boat. 

Lieutenant Hoffee ordered for the Grogge destroyed in a quick manner. With as little exposure as possible. One barrel was emptied then filled any dry materials they could burn. Using two poles they lifted the grogge up then dumped it into the flames. This action performed by them to get rid of the parasites caught the attention of a lone Forysthan Ranger. Although they saw male ones from Vestrisia or Grussia, this one appeared female. Long hair, long face, two scars on the chin, the smooth knobbed nose, tall yet a little curvy. She had more of a lean muscular built under the leathery, hide outfit mixed with a Gantronese fatigue uniform. 

"I am Erog Gore or Roga-Tori Dawnrage. One of probably multiple lone Forsythan Rangers who chose to come down here." She introduced herself to them. 

"Why are you here and what country are from?" Lieutenant Hoffee asked this lone Ranger. 

"I was sent here by my guild in Grussia-Eoth. Originally my home country is Vunnace. As three allied nations working together, they sent fifteen Rangers, Fifteen Uxane Prowlers, twenty-three knights, eleven Koriv Ascetics. We were searching for a certain relic until my expedition died out." She explained Lieutenant Hoffee. 

"Is that abandoned torpedo boat yours?" He asked the Lone Forsythan Ranger. 

"One of six vessels that were sent with us. Only one remains afloat." she answered Hoffee. 

"Then join us and we shall see you back home." Hoffee replied attempting to end the conversation. It seemed rude, but they were in a hurry. 

For the rest of the day Hoffee's mixed platoon returned to the torpedo boat to the waters. When they got it working the platoon went ahead to their next destinations. Islets called Dorgot, Jarpi, Gildan, and Agored were the last four islets Hoffee was sent to before returning. Dorgot appeared the largest of the four with enough jungle, a single mound, beaches, other vegetation. It sprawled with wildlife that stayed clear of a Gantronese outpost. One score of Gantronese graves were found nearby with helmets and skulls acting as tombstones. Occupying the abandoned outpost was some Angel Metatron Katana wielder. Hoffee had no time for their backstory he offered for them to join them or to stay put. Receiving their name as Seraph Manthing-Mouthing, Lieutenant Hoffee left them there with a warning about more coming. Jarpi did not hold much discernable shape. It did have a rockier volcanic surface. Several mounds hid a large village of some sort. Their first encounter was one eyed Dwarf Goblin Warrior taking down scores of corpses for burial. Known as Doratac Runesword, the Dwarf accepted their help in the burials. Much of Jarpi's land mass made for poor ground to bury much. Shallow graves covered in pebbles and small stones would have to do. 

Following Doratac the next morning Hoffee's unit learned of a few factions on the islet. An unknown faction of cultists dwelled in the circle of mounds, The White Stallion Empire from off world, and minor CSO presence. Getting to the mounds proved to be an uphill journey. Guarding the mounts were 120 of the cultists the Dwarf warned them about. Showing violent distrust these cultists attacked the newcomers. Ten of his men were wounded, bruised, two dead, and Doratac dead as well. They were not the only ones fighting this cult. Five Cataphracts of the White Stallion Empire, three blue lizard folks, a CSO metallic flesh Dissolver attacked these same cultists. From different flanks these other groups set out for suicidal vengeance. Pressing the advance on these cultists, Hoffee's unit wiped out a total of 157 robed cultists. His unit was the only force to survive this battle. In the center of the stone village stood a stargate like structure according to one dying Cataphract they tried reviving. Shaped like a triangle this stargate appeared operational. Several cultists rushed through a yellowish liquid before it shut down. It appeared wired up with a generator, and some control panel stands.

Gildan lay on the edge of the platform seas. One castaway pirate living with a cat was discovered. About the size of a dog, this feline had a large pistol cannon on its back. The castaway went a little crazy on them for a moment. He warned them of another wave of aliens coming. Forced to take him and the cat along Hoffee went to the islet Agored. On this foliage covered island they found a warlock from another world, some long blade boss of a dead guild, an onyx skinned Ogre with no ears, Sentient Black Drake, some Black Octopus being. Several armored troopers got themselves caught by these monsters days ago. Hoffee's unit came across a bit of a gang rape, devouring of male troopers, and torture. With the monsters focused on their victims his unit saved 6 female troopers from these beasts. It was not part of their plan, but it may gain more allies, or strengthen the alliance their Vestrisians already forged. Looking at the warlock he studied its facial features. No nose, just a long hole, purple-blue skin, no hair, wide forehead, spike like tendrils coming down its face like a mustache. Before heading home Hoffee's unit found seas creatures prowling the edge of the "platform seas". On another islet in the arch, they found a Tyrannodragonite that showed restraint upon their encounter. It showed more curiosity that hostility. The beastly reptile left them alone to return back to base. When Hoffee's party returned to base on the ship they found others come to tug at a destroyed ship that ran aground on a reef. Whole teams of divers, and scavengers rowed over to save what they could. Satisfied with their mission's success despite some setbacks, Hoffee returned to his own quarters with a new companion. Unfortunately, the pirate died during the fight with the monsters leaving Hoffee to take care of the feline friend. Naming it Guardian Hoffee went to the mirror to find he shaven his facial hair to a mustache.